Widespread and increasing use of motor vehicles in urban areas impacts not only human health but also the quality of life in cities. During European Mobility Week, 16–22 September, more than 1 500 cities across Europe will promote sustainable transport in urban areas and let their residents enjoy a car-free day. The European Environment Agency has tips to help you make your daily trips more environmentally friendly.

How you can make a
difference

Get in shape and be
friendly to the environment all at once!

Journeys of less than 3 km may
take less time if you walk, use a bike or take the bus. If taking your kids
along, try using a skateboard, skipping rope or rollerblades!

Car pool!

If you live far away from school,
instead of driving your kids to and from school each day, start a car pooling
initiative with the other parents and share the responsibility. It will save
you time and petrol, and help the environment.

Keep your tyres properly inflated!

This will reduce wear and tear
and increase their longevity, thereby saving money. It also saves precious raw
material: it takes 27 litres of crude oil to produce a new tyre. Under-inflated
tyres also increase fuel consumption by up to 10 %. Check your tyres at least
once a month.

Slow down!

When driving your car, drive
steadily and anticipate what is coming up. Avoid rapid acceleration and
breaking as much as possible. This will decrease your fuel consumption.